What is the Difference Between Thyroglossal Cyst and Goitre

The key difference between thyroglossal cyst and goitre is that a thyroglossal cyst is a rare cyst or lump that develops in the neck or near the thyroid glands that is due to a persistent thyroglossal duct while goitre is a lump at the front of the neck that is due to a swollen thyroid gland.

Both thyroglossal cysts and goitre cause neck swelling. However, these conditions have different aetiologies and can be differentiated with physical examinations. This is because the thyroglossal cyst moves with the movement of the tongue while the thyroid gland enlargement or goitre moves with swallowing.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Thyroglossal Cyst 
3. What is Goitre
4. Similarities – Thyroglossal Cyst and Goitre
5. Thyroglossal Cyst vs. Goitre in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Thyroglossal Cyst vs. Goitre

What is Thyroglossal Cyst?

A thyroglossal cyst is a fibrous cyst or lump that is formed due to a persistent thyroglossal duct. When the thyroid gland is formed during embryonic development at the base of the tongue, it generally moves towards the neck canal called the thyroglossal duct. Once this happens, the duct normally disappears. In some people, portions of the duct remain after thyroid gland movement and develop into a cyst known as a thyroglossal cyst. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include a small lump on the front of the neck at birth, red color swelling, warmth to touch, and painful and draining mucus or other liquid internally.

Moreover, a thyroglossal cyst can be diagnosed through a physical examination, an ultrasound, a CT scan, and a tissue biopsy. Treatment for thyroglossal cysts may include antibiotics to treat an infection, surgery (endoscopic surgery or surgery that requires an incision for repair), additional therapies like radiation, and chemotherapy if the cyst converts to cancer.

What is Goitre?

Goitre is a lump at the front of the neck that is due to a swollen thyroid gland. Goitre can be caused due to an overreactive or under reactive thyroid gland, a harmless lump on the thyroid gland, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, an inflammation in the thyroid gland, having immune system conditions like Grave’s disease, not enough iodine in the diet, and thyroid cancer. The symptoms of this condition may include swelling at the front of the neck, a cough that does not go away, a hoarse voice, a sensation like something being stuck in the throat, a wheezing noise when breathing, and finding it hard to swallow or breathe.

Goitre can be diagnosed through physical examinations, blood tests, and ultrasound. Furthermore, treatment options for goitre may include medications to increase thyroid hormone production (levothyroxine), medications to decrease thyroid hormone production and block thyroid hormone activities  (methimazole and beta blockers), pain relievers (aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ibuprofen), radioactive iodine (for overactive thyroid gland), and surgery (total or partial thyroidectomy).

What are the Similarities Between Thyroglossal Cyst and Goitre?

• Both thyroglossal cysts and goitre cause neck swellings.
• They may form lumps and may be painful.
• Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examinations and imaging tests like ultrasound.
• They can be treated through specific medications and surgeries.

What is the Difference Between Thyroglossal Cyst and Goitre?

A thyroglossal cyst is a rare cyst or lump that develops in the neck or near the thyroid glands which is due to a persistent thyroglossal duct, while goitre is a lump at the front of the neck which is due to a swollen thyroid gland. Thus, this is the key difference between thyroglossal cyst and goitre. Furthermore, a thyroglossal cyst moves with the movement of the tongue. On the other hand, goitre moves with swallowing.

The infographic below presents the differences between thyroglossal cyst and goitre in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Thyroglossal Cyst vs Goitre

Neck swellings can present at all ages. Different conditions can cause lumps in the neck. Both thyroglossal cysts and goitre cause neck swellings. Thyroglossal cyst is a rare cyst in the throat that forms from the persistent thyroglossal duct, while goitre is a lump at the front of the neck that is due to a swollen thyroid gland. Moreover, thyroglossal cyst moves with the movement of the tongue, whereas thyroid gland enlargement or goitre moves with swallowing. So, this summarizes the difference between thyroglossal cyst and goitre.

Reference:

1.  “Thyroglossal Duct Cysts in Children & Adults: Symptoms & Surgery.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Goiter.” Mayo Clinic.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Thyreoglossal duct cyst” By Klaus D. Peter, Gummersbach, Germany – Own work (CC BY 3.0 de) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “A Chinese woman suffering from a goitre Wellcome V0049857” By Welcome Image Gallery (CC-BY-4.0) via Commons Wikimedia